'Nearly 80pc of strokes can be prevented'.

ISLAMABAD -- Nearly 80pc of strokes can be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors, such as hypertension, diet, smoking and lack of exercise, a neurologist said at a seminar on Monday.

Consultant neurologist Dr Maimoona Siddiqui was speaking at a seminar organised at Shifa International Hospital ahead of World Stroke Day, observed on Oct 29 every year.

The theme for this year is 'Don't Be the One'; it aims to emphasise stroke risks and prevention.

Dr Siddiqui explained that a stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, and can be caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

'Action on prevention would also contribute to a massive scale reduction in heart disease, cancer and diabetes,' she said.

She added that the impact of strokes on individuals, families and society as a whole is devastating. Stroke survivors can face significant impairment of movement, speech and cognition, alongside debilitating psychological, social and financial problems.

Consultant stroke specialise Dr Raja Farhat Shaoib said that strokes have already reached epidemic proportions.

'One in six people worldwide...